MONDOUNET is in the heart of the famous CAHORS wine region. The appellation controlée dark red wine is very good quality and excellent value.

The Domaine du Garinet is one of the many very good Cahors vineyards closeby where you can enjoy winetastings, visit the winery and talk to the owners about wine and winemaking. See more on their site: http://www.domainedugarinet.fr

The renowned gastronomy of the local restaurants offer traditional cuisine of high quality at prices that will pleasantly surprise you.

This ancient province of THE LOT is the sunny gateway to South-West France. Its Springs and Autumns are often marvellous and it enoys hot, dry summers.

There are many contrasts - THE LOT and DORDOGNE RIVERS are always pure, sometimes meandering slowly and majestically across a land of milk and honey (and foie gras, of course) and sometimes rushing between high cliffs - rivers of character, excellent for swimming and canoeing.

Its countryside is unbelievably lovely, dotted with villages built of stone, the colour of champagne - enjoy quiet country walks and horse riding.

Picture 1

To the West is the CHATEAU DE BONAGUIL (Picture 1), one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in France - tours and "son et lumiere" tell its story on summer evenings.

The medieval city of CAHORS was once a Roman camp and now its superb streets are lined with ornate facades. Visit the cathedral and the beautiful fortified PONT VALENTRE (Picture 2).

BASTIDE TOWNS built by the English, such as MONPAZIER, during the 100 years war are numerous.

The grotto at PECH MERLE (Picture 4) is one of France's greatest pre-historic sites - where artists, 20,000 years ago, painted horses and hunters on the walls.

Picture 4

ST. CIRQ LAPOPIE, (Picture 5)one of the prettiest villages in France, stands perched on rocky cliffs that drop vertically to the river, giving remarkable views over the valley.

Picture 5

PADIRAC (Picture 6) a great natural phenomena. The chasm gives way to wonderful galleries hollowed out of the limestone by a subterranean river. A descent into the well and tour of the mysterious river and vast caves gives the tourist a striking impression of this fascinating underground world.

Picture 6

MONTCUQ (Picture 7) is our delightful medieval town only a short drive from MONDOUNET - lots of ambiance at the cafes and Sunday market - visit the old part of the village with its cobbled streets and historic tower. The people here have a really unique heritage and their traditional warm welcome will add to the enjoyment of your stay with us.

Picture 7

VISITS TO ENJOY DURING YOUR STAY AT MONDOUNET

SUNDAY - The colourful market at MONTCUQ - our lively medieval village - listed in a book of the 100 best markets in France....The market is very picturesque- and what could be better than mingling with the locals and browsing around the stalls, buying lots of lovely produce and having a drink in one of the cafes, watching the very French scene - soaking in the ambiance..etc.

M0NDAY - a good day to visit the caves at Pech Merle, east of Cahors (some of the best prehistoric cave paintings to be seen in France) - Lovely trip beside the river and through the mountains (literally!) and at the same time visit, across the river, the picturesque and dramatic medieval village of St. Cirq Lapopie.

TUESDAY - market at PUY L'EVEQUE - fantastic medieval village dominating the Lot river - there's canoeing on the river in the Summer. The market is at the top of the village with lovely views over the river.
Also this is a good day to continue on to the CHATEAU DE BONAGUIL - fortified chateau - like King Arthur's Castle-

WEDNESDAY - there is a market in LUZECH on the river Lot and keeping the river on
your right you come to the village of CAIX which has a centre for canoeing etc. Continuing further down this road you will see on your left, the Chateau of the Queen of Denmark and the Comte de Monpezat -and their vineyards - you could always have a wine tasting - (the sign "degustation" means that the vineyards are able to be visited for wine-tasting).

THURSDAY - BIG MARKET IN LIBOS - also visit TOURNON D'AGENAIS a 13th century bastide with superb views over the countryside and the lovely old terraced village of
PENNE D'AGENAIS with it's silver domed church and caves .

From Tournon D'agenais you continue in the direction of Villeneuve sur Lot until you reach Penne D'Agenais - you will see a silver domed church at the top of the hill on your right, St. Sylvestre, which is worth a visit. Behind the church are caves where once upon a time the locals used to worship and if you climb up even further you will find a large crucifix and statues - also a magnificent view over the river Lot and the remains of Richard the Lionheart's chateau. Due to the magnificent long views, he chose Penne as his strong-hold when he was keeping order in the vast realm of his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Penne is a lovely village, full of medieval houses, terraced with café/restaurants and artisan shops. Port de Penne is also worth a visit , the river Lot is wide here, great place for the water sports centre.

FRIDAY - good market in PRAYSSAC which is next to Puy L'Eveque going towards Cahors

SATURDAY -another market at Montaigu de Quercy (where there is also a large lake with a beach; good swimming, fishing etc.)
. VISIT TO CAHORS - OUR MAIN TOWN -
The Saturday market in CAHORS starts in the old centre of the town beside the cathedral and can also wind it's way up and down the main boulevard Gambetta. The Pont Valentre is a famous medieval bridge, now a heritage site - and this is why we are here - Pete will tell you the story!

The Pont Valentre is on the left of Cahors and the medieval part of the town is on the right with a superb indoor market, open every day except Sunday and Monday. The Cathedral with cloisters is a must to visit for it's superb architecture. Lots of great boutiques and shoe shops.. In the main boulevard is a bistro called Le Palais, with aubergine coloured blinds - good value food and superb ice creams, you'll find it on the left of the Boulevard Gambetta -about half way up. Many other good restaurants throughout the town, including one on a stationary boat on the river Lot and the Michelin starred Balandre, near the train station.

On the outskirts of Cahors, before you cross over the bridge to go up the main boulevard there is a small roundabout. Turn right here and follow the road right up to the top of the hill to MONT ST. CYR - from here you will see the town of Cahors and the river which forms a horseshoe around the town - amazing views.

ANYDAY OF THE WEEK:
On your way to Montcuq you will see a pleasure lake on your right, a beautiful spot for a picnic and for a walk during the quieter months in the Spring and Autumn. The beach and play area appeal to our younger guests so another reason to take a hamper and relax while your children run around enjoying themselves. There's a cafe where can sit and admire the beautiful views over the countryside and across to Montcuq with it's medieval keep (look-out tower).

AND MORE ......Good cycling, golf, horse riding, lakes for windsurfing and swimming. Take a picturesque trip on a river boat down the Lot river, canoeing, tennis, fishing, walking and rambling, wine tasting. Visit the local lavender farm and the Grotte de Roland, very interesting local caves.

As you can see there is lots to do and see here for all ages - you'll have a wonderful holiday.

Parc-en-Ciel:
Five ropes courses in the trees, starting at the green and blue courses for small children, and progressing in difficulty through white, red and black courses. Harnesses and instruction are included. If you are not interested in climbing, there is also mini-golf to enjoy, a small farm and the snail museum. Take a picnic and make a day of it. Situated at Lacapelle-Biron on the D420, north-west of Fumel. Open every day 0900 to 2000 during July and August, and at weekends at other times: www.parc-en-ciel.com

Theme Park:
Walibi Aquitaine, located just a few kilometres away from Agen, nestles in over 30 hectares of lush greenery, and is watched over by a genuine 18th Century castle. A world filled with pleasure, with its numerous rides, spectacular shows and special events. Spend an unforgettable day out where thrills, laughter and enjoyment all intermingle! Situated northwest of Agen on the A62. Open 7 days a week from the middle of June through to the end of August, and at weekends outside this time. Prices etc.,
www.walibi-aquitaine.fr

Golf:

Nearest to us the very good golf club "Roucous" close to Lauzerte. There is a tennis court and swimming pool for families of golfers with a good club house/restaurant.

Castelnaud: 9 & 18 hole. Close to Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Good restaurant, swimming and tennis courts for families of golfers.